Chapter 182: Official Stamp: Quality Idol Chi Ye
The singer’s live performance.
Chi Ye didn’t accept too many interviews this time because all his words were in the lyrics. He felt there was nothing else that needed to be explained. After briefly answering a few questions from the host on stage, he exited and returned backstage.
Offstage.
Many audience members were still reminiscing, some with stirred emotions, others with complex, indescribable feelings.
However, not a single person questioned the song’s “cultural confidence.”
Yes, none. Under Chi Ye’s “Full Firepower” live rendition of “Heaven and Earth Dragon Scales,” what constitutes cultural confidence… simply needs no further explanation.
With five thousand years of history in China, if this isn’t cultural confidence, then what is?
To be honest, the song “Heaven and Earth Dragon Scales” is not as simple and crude as typical “patriotic songs” that make young listeners feel “awkward.” Based on Chinese style, this song perfectly blends elements of pop music, achieving a similar effect to “Full Firepower.”
But there are differences.
“Heaven and Earth Dragon Scales” is more grand and majestic, while “Full Firepower” is more personal.
There’s no distinction between the two in terms of superiority or inferiority, only suitability.
But everyone had to admit one thing: Chi Ye’s creative talent is immense, almost a miracle in the current internal entertainment industry.
Using one song to tell a story, a story of a nation’s rise and fall, his lyrics are not deliberately stacked with words, yet every sentence reveals a cultural and musical foundation that other traffic young male stars can’t reach.
Is “Firepower Chi Ye” a derogatory term? Is it just a meme?
Does Chi Ye only diss Chinese style?
Perhaps before “Heaven and Earth Dragon Scales” came out, but after it…
Liu Xiaoxiao was very reluctant to admit that she was moved to tears by Chi Ye’s song.
This has nothing to do with who you support; it’s just that the lyrics of “Heaven and Earth Dragon Scales” hit straight to the heart.
“Wandering Story, I can’t bear to listen…” It almost instantly reminds one of the powerlessness of the late Qing Dynasty, and the nation’s destiny for revival again.
The Forbidden City, the Gate of Divine Might.
People uphold propriety, hearts maintain tranquility, and the melodious guqin plays the gentleman’s heart.
As long as one is a native-born Chinese, Liu Xiaoxiao believes no one would fail to be moved by these lyrics. So, is this cultural confidence?
She thought so, and she wondered if she might have been wrong before.
Even if it’s difficult to say, please do not mock others’ “cultural confidence” at will.
That will make you seem narrow-minded. Decades from now, looking back at yourself, you will mock how ignorant you were.
She looked at the younger girl beside her, whose reaction was even stronger than hers, and couldn’t help but ask, “Don’t you hate Chi Ye?”
“Yes, I hate Chi Ye, but I love my country. I’m proud of our culture.”
“…”
…
Then, after this song, will you still hate Chi Ye?
At the same time, Lin Yuan, at home, in a large group chat that usually teased “Firepower Chi Ye,” asked the question—it was a large male group chat, they didn’t follow idols, and they usually enjoyed joking around with internet memes.
The group chat was silent for two seconds before someone replied:
He probably doesn’t hate him anymore.
His singing is amazing, his talent is amazing.
If he can write this kind of song, even if he’s deliberately chasing traffic, I accept it.
I suggest all others who want to chase traffic learn from Chi Ye; I’ll acknowledge anyone who learns from him.
I didn’t notice before, Chi Ye is really damn handsome, he has one-third of my old charm.
What about his face?
If I were a young girl, I’d like Chi Ye too. This guy is like he’s got a succubus halo on him. I saw Shi Jinwei’s eyes glued to him backstage… Wuwuwu, my goddess won’t fall for him, will she?
If Chi Ye dares to snatch Weiwei, the revenge of a stolen wife is a lifelong black mark!
The group chat quickly went off-topic. Compared to girls, boys’ focus is indeed more rational. Good is good, bad is bad. They like Shi Jinwei wholeheartedly, and that’s just liking her, not at all pretentious!
Lin Yuan didn’t care. He just watched the messages in the group and smiled, feeling that Chi Ye’s performance this time was very successful.
Hmm…
But, did Shi Jinwei’s eyes really go straight earlier?
No way, he likes Shi Jinwei too. He’s also a physical fan of Shi Jinwei!
Chi Ye, don’t mess around, or I’ll turn from a fan to a hater and backtrack on you!
…
Sister Qianzi’s eyes indeed went straight, in the literal sense.
Because after seeing Chi Ye return backstage, she saw he wasn’t showing off or putting on airs, but quietly sat back in his seat, his body very relaxed, with an indescribable… coolness.
No, after singing such a song and causing such a huge stir, are you really not nervous at all?
Not nervous, not excited, happy?
Shi Jinwei found herself unable to understand Chi Ye.
This was different from her impression of Chi Ye. In her memory, Chi Ye could turn and smile at the Screaming Night, and after all the “schemes” in “Voice of Nature,” he would raise an eyebrow triumphantly at her.
But now…
Shi Jinwei thought Chi Ye was really handsome… She realized she might be attracted to strength. She believed she wasn’t attracted by Chi Ye’s face, but more so by his talent.
It’s the same question: how could he write such amazing lyrics?
“Qianzi, Qianzi?”
Shi Jinwei snapped back to attention, her sapphire eyes showing a hint of panic, “Ah? What? You said.”
Chi Ye: “?”
This time, calling her Qianzi, why wasn’t she angry?
He paused, then tentatively asked, “Can I rank above you?”
Shi Jinwei: “Don’t even think about it.”
Chi Ye: “…”
Alright, now that’s normal.
He glanced at the camera and got back to the point, “If you let me rank above you, I’ll sing a few OSTs for you later.”
Sister Qianzi: “?”
Her eyes moved, she wanted to ask, but felt she shouldn’t appear too eager. Finally, with a proud expression, she said, “Alright, I’ll consider it.”
“Okay,” Chi Ye nodded, turned around, and said to Teacher Shi, “You have to sing too.”
This was no longer a tentative question, but a direct order.
Teacher Shi nodded, “Okay.”
Shi Jinwei: “…”
Why does it feel like something’s wrong… No, he wouldn’t give “my” work to Shi Daifu, would he?!
The moment she thought of this, Qianzi became a little anxious. Mainly because Shi Daifu agreed too readily, making it seem like she was deliberately putting on airs.
Although she was indeed deliberately putting on airs…
Does he like “submissive” people?
No, Jin Xia didn’t seem that submissive either… in fact, she’s the opposite of submissive… Could it be, could it be that he’s been “angered too much” by Jin Xia, so he’s psychologically warped, and likes other women to be the way they are in front of Jin Xia?
The more Sister Qianzi thought about it, the clearer it became. In the end, her gaze towards Chi Ye became strange and “distant.”
No, no, she had to stay a little further away from him. This person was playing a bit too perversely.
Chi Ye was unaware that Sister Qianzi’s image of him had twisted and turned countless times in just a few seconds, finally settling on “perverted.”
The reason he approached Sister Qianzi was that several OSTs for “Big Shot” were looking for singers. Chi Ye, who always preferred popular artists over unpopular ones, naturally prioritized the Golden Eagle Goddess, Sister Qianzi.
As for Teacher Shi, she was family, so of course she should be considered.
Additionally, after “Heaven and Earth Dragon Scales,” he would observe the public opinion’s reaction. If it met his target, he would have to prepare for a temporary hiatus, or even withdraw from “Singer,” to focus on promoting his album and “Xing Ni.”
Judging by the reaction at the live performance, it shouldn’t… be too bad, right?
…
“Heaven and Earth Dragon Scales” exploded.
But not in the way everyone expected.
The explosion of “Heaven and Earth Dragon Scales” was not a “bottom-up” phenomenon like “Full Firepower.” Although, right after “Heaven and Earth Dragon Scales” ended, related hot words like #Chi Ye’s Talent#, #So That’s How Firepower Was#, #Heaven and Earth Dragon Scales#, and #Chinese Culture# had already soared to the top of the trending searches.
Western Supporters were once again stunned. Ordinary bystanders, after genuinely exclaiming “Holy crap, amazing,” hadn’t even had time to react.
The Xinhua Daily News had reposted Chi Ye’s live performance of “Heaven and Earth Dragon Scales,” which was “instantly” edited by the “Singer” program team, and accompanied it with the caption:
#Chi Ye’s “Heaven and Earth Dragon Scales” Resonates with the Strong Voice of Chinese Culture.#
“In an era of colliding and blending multiculturalism, singer Chi Ye’s original work ‘Heaven and Earth Dragon Scales’ draws on classic references, fully showcasing Chinese heritage. In the song, the majesty of the Beijing central axis and the mystery of the Nine-Dragon Wall come alive through Chi Ye’s singing, making listeners feel as if they are immersed in the river of history, witnessing the rise and fall and the honor and disgrace of the Chinese nation.”
@People’s News:
#”Heaven and Earth Dragon Scales”: Using Song as a Brush to Paint a Scroll of Chinese Culture.#
“The fusion of traditional Chinese instruments like the Chinese drum, guqin, and pipa with modern musical elements allows ancient cultural symbols to radiate dazzling brilliance in the melodies of the new era.”
“The lyrics of ‘Heaven and Earth Dragon Scales,’ using the Forbidden City as an introduction, and with passionate melodies and poetic lyrics, unfold like a painting the spirit of the Chinese nation that has endured hardships yet remained resilient. The dragon, as a core symbol of Chinese Civilization…”
@CCTV News:
#”Heaven and Earth Dragon Scales” Makes Chinese Culture “Resonate” in People’s Hearts.#
“The soul-stirring melody is like an echo of history, rolling in from the depths of time. The lyrics that resonate in people’s hearts are like the vastness of ethnic bloodlines stretching for thousands of miles, feeling the unyielding soul of the descendants of the dragon through centuries of wind and rain.”
“The song also tells a grand story of the Chinese nation’s rise and revival, transforming every note into an envoy for spreading Chinese culture, conveying the wisdom and strength from the East on the global stage, and letting the world hear the strong voice of Chinese culture.”
…
Many other official media outlets and millions of influential bloggers, as the popularity of “Heaven and Earth Dragon Scales” soared, quickly posted content with different wording but the same meaning: Make Chinese culture “resonate” in people’s hearts!
In other words, the authorities began to intervene, starting to “forcefully” end this sensitive controversy as planned.
However, the current situation was slightly different from what was “expected”—well, significantly different.
Initially, the authorities had no intention of involving Chi Ye and “Heaven and Earth Dragon Scales.” But… who could have predicted that Chi Ye would actually be so capable and create “Heaven and Earth Dragon Scales”? Since he did, it would be a waste not to use it.
Therefore, Chi Ye was considered to have “caught a free ride.”
But everyone knew that even if you catch a free ride, the fact that your name appears represents a certain level of affirmation, even praise.
As for Chi Ye himself, the biggest difference is that if things had developed normally according to the initial plan, he would still be teased and scolded, and the traffic would backfire. But now…
In the final stretch of the season, he completed his “counterattack.”
Although it’s impossible to make everyone feel a certain way because of one song, at least “Firepower Chi Ye” has transformed from a derogatory term to a commendatory one.
—Chi Ye is not a “Wolf Warrior,” he is a “Quality Idol.”
A quality idol that has never appeared in the internal entertainment industry since it entered the traffic era.
This is the seal of approval given to Chi Ye by the authorities, and also the current impression everyone has of Chi Ye after “Heaven and Earth Dragon Scales.”
From a tag-along star and unpopular star, to a popular singer, then a popular traffic young male star, a popular first-tier singer, and the Golden Eagle Male God, he finally transformed into the label of “Quality Idol” after enduring countless controversies.
Chi Ye has gained unimaginable resources in a short period, and his star power has risen like riding a rocket.
Various young actors, companies, and even the three major platforms in the industry have complex feelings upon seeing this. Many are envious, jealous, and resentful. Those who vaguely sense that Chi Ye is about to come and snatch their share are unprecedentedly “afraid.”
—With Chi Ye’s face and his current momentum, it’s hard not to be afraid.
Why did Rise collectively target Chi Ye before?
After Chi Ye won the Golden Eagle Male God award, why did the young actors and traffic stars whose names were known in the industry so tacitly suppress him?
Even with severe suppression, Peng Chen’s worst situation was not even one-tenth of Chi Ye’s suppression!
Why is this?
Is he really that hateful?
Yes, but definitely not entirely.
The main reason is actually just one, and it’s the most simple and unpretentious reason in the entertainment industry—he’s too damn good-looking. To put it irreverently, even the unrivaled top streamer Yu Yan doesn’t have as authoritative a face as Chi Ye.
If you try to make a living in the internal entertainment industry with a face like that, you’re bound to make all your competitors afraid.
Peng Chen is very “afraid” right now.
“The captain is back.”
Seeing the overwhelming hot searches and trending topics, the endorsement from official blue V accounts, he has almost perfectly escaped the originally complex, muddy, and sensitive vortex and gained benefits. Chi Ye felt like the world was spinning.
His body, which had just started to recover, began to churn again.
—Only half a month has passed since the last “grand occasion” like this!
And now it’s happening again?!
“Are you okay?”
His agent, who had specifically rushed back to take care of him, flinched and covered his nose in advance.
Peng Chen: “?”
“You can insult me, but you can’t insult my stomach!”
“…Does your stomach need to be insulted by others?”
Peng Chen: “…”
“Will he step directly on your head?”
The agent returned to the topic, frowning, “He has no film and television works, and this time he’s caught a ride; the popularity won’t last.”
“Don’t you understand yet?”
Peng Chen looked at his agent, “He’s definitely prepared. Look at what Ji Hemming and Hua Yichen have become after being absorbed by him. Hua Yichen, a former top streamer in the music industry, is now almost crushed by him. Ji Hemming is doing a bit better, but can you be sure he doesn’t have a backup plan?”
The agent was stunned.
“My captain…”
Peng Chen’s gaze was distant, “Ever since he left Yue Na, he’s been like a different person. Every step he takes seems aggressive, but looking back, it’s truly incredibly fast, accurate, decisive, and stable…”
“I’m not worried about anything else right now, I’m just worried that at this rate, it won’t be long before he absorbs me…”
“No, I must continue to work hard. I swore when I left Rise that I would never be his green leaf foil again in this lifetime!”
